|

The Beach This 3,5 km long beach with its calm and transparent sea is a safe and quiet environment for swimming and sun-bathing. They are a few restaurants and snack- bars on the sea front offering deck-chairs and umbrellas. A large part of the beach remains quite deserted except on a few summer week-ends . The seashore of Cirali has been designated as a protected natural area, the beach is one of the major nesting sites in the mediterranean coastline for the caretta sea turtle, an internationally endangered species. The sea turtles come every year from May to September to lay their eggs in the sand. The beach has recently been awarded a blue flag.
|
|

The ancient city of OlymposWalking 15 minutes to the south end of the beach, you will find the entrance to the ruins of Olympos located in spectacular natural settings. This ancient city has a rich and enigmatic past of rising and falling civilisations dating back as far as 200 BC when it was an influencial Lycian province. Along both sides of the river, you will discover hidden amidst the lush undergrowth vegetation the ruins retracing its fascinating history (Lycian tombs, ruins of a Roman theater, baths, bridte and a basilica). Climbing the cliffs and overlooking the sea, you can contemplate the breath-taking panorama from the ruins of Byzantine fortifications.
|
|

Chimaera - the eternal fireNorth of the bay, climbing 20 minutes up a path into the cliffs you will reach this striking geological site where a combination of gases escaping from cracks in the volcanic rocks produce continuously burning flames on the flank of the mountain. This mysterious natural phenomenon was the source of the original olympic flame and has also inspired many myths and legends, including the famous tale of Bellerophon and Khimeira the fire-breathing monster told by Homer in the Illiad. The mystical atmosphere is best experienced at dusk as the bright flames contrast with the dark surroundings. The ruins of a roman temple and a Byzantine church confirm the importance of this site as a place of cult. A steeper walk 20 minutes further up the mountain will lead you to a second area of flames where the panorama is magnificient.
|